Wenger has been tracking Al-Habsi since last season and is now ready to make a move after being ­unconvinced by the displays of Szczesny’s current deputy Vito Mannone.

Although Mannone made some good saves in ­Szczesny’s absence through injury, Wenger has decided he needs two top-class keepers – and the Italian remains some way short of that standard.

Al-Habsi has produced a string of impressive ­performances since joining Wigan from Bolton in the summer of 2011, and the 30-year-old is now viewed as one of the best keepers in the Premier League.

Wigan’s valuation of ­Al-Habsi is a hefty £7million – but Wenger has plenty of funds at his ­disposal for ­January and the board will not stand in his way.

Oman international Al-Habsi would be eligible to play in the Champions League this season for ­Arsenal – another attraction for Wenger, who will also ­renew efforts to sell some of his unwanted players in ­January.